GEORGE TOWN:The mega Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project is a critical project and implemented to ensure a sustainable future for the state.

State Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is also not just an ordinary reclamation project for the purpose of real estate speculation.

“This project serves as an economic catalyst for Penang, just like the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and the Bayan Lepas township which was developed in the 70s.

"Without Bayan Lepas, Penang will not achieve the success it has today as among the most developed, competitive and habitable states in the country,” he said when answering a question from Penaga assemblyman Yusni Mat Piah (PAS-Penaga) at the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

Zairil Khir said the PSR project which involved the reclamation of 4,500 acres off the southern part of the island has been divided into three islands.

“The first island that will be reclaimed is Island A, the biggest island measuring 2,300 acres with the focus to provide new industrial land.